When Jesse Reid needs emergency surgery, he calls his neighbor to come pick him up instead of one of his many family members. As the youngest of nine, Jesse is used to feeling like a leftover, and he doesn’t need their coddling.<br><br>Holden McRae is a big, beautiful man, everything Jesse wants. But Holden has made it clear he doesn’t want Jesse as a submissive.<br><br>Under the influence of Holden’s care, Jesse becomes bolder and makes Holden see what he’s been missing. The two men’s interests line up, and the attraction that has always been there is something they can finally act on. As Jesse heals, he shares parts of his life with Holden, and Holden helps him see he’s so much more than #9. Their love might not be the most conventional, but maybe it’s exactly what both men need.

Forever Nine

His eyes narrowed, and he sat forward, into my space. He took the glass from me, set it on the table, then held both my hands. His were big and warm and so strong. I gripped them tightly and he squeezed.


“I need more than that. Think about it, Jesse. Take your time. Why is it different?”


I tried to do as he said. It took me a bit to focus, since his nearness was distracting in the best possible way. But once I got my brain on task, it was an easy answer. Nervous energy filled me and I wanted to get up and pace or something, but when I tried to pull away, Holden held on tighter. I let out a gusty sigh.


Chapter 21